Usha Uthup to do a horror film

By Hindustan Times

Veteran singer Usha Uthup, who was last seen in a small role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s murder mystery 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), is set to do a full-fledged role in debutant director Prabhuraj’s horror film, Lupta. The role came by when the singer, who has sung the title track of the film, showed interest
to act in the film too.

“I was very excited to do the song; it turned out so nice. So, I thought to myself, what if I could the film as well,” says Usha.

However, the 65-year-old clarifies that she doesn’t see acting as an alternate career option. “It only excites me to do a movie if a challenging and emotional role comes my way,” says Usha, adding, “If the script is good, I am ready to be part of the film, but I don’t consider acting as an alternate career. It’s just an extension of my music.”

Confirming the news, Prabhuraj says, “I pitched her the story and she was very excited and eager to be part of the film. Currently, I am reworking the dialogue and her character sketch. I’m not compromising on the subject, but creatively working around to fit her in the film.”

A film about ‘road horror’, Lupta’s story revolves around a family that gets killed while driving through a jungle during a vacation. “The film is all about how they get killed and what happens after that,” says Prabhuraj, who started as a location manager with filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma’s Jungle (2000) and went on to become the executive producer for Darling (2007).

His mentor Ram Gopal has, in the past, delivered horror flicks like Bhoot (2003), Phoonk (2008) and Vaastu Shastra (2004). Ask him if that inspired him to make his debut with this genre and he replies, “In most such films, the element of horror is depicted usually in a haunted house or abandoned building, or even a deserted resort. Since there are already so many films falling in the same genre, I thought of basing my plot on the road instead,” says Prabhuraj.

The film also stars actors Shiv Subramanium Anupama Kumar. The shooting will begin in March.